How to Have an Eco Friendly Baby
Babies may be small but they sure do require a lot of
"stuff"! From diapers to pacifiers to toys, clothes and
even furniture, babies can really put a dent in your
wallet and affect the planet.As a new parent or
parent-to-be you can make eco-friendly choices that will
save money and be better for the environment. Here are
a few suggestions for having a green baby:
1. Breastfeeding your baby greatly reduces waste. If you breastfeed, you do not need to
invest in pacifiers, bottles, rubber nipples, containers of formula, and other wasteful items that
can't be recycled or re-used. Think about the waste you will avoid by breastfeeding for even six
months, much less for years. I know some Moms have a hard time with breastfeeding and can't
or don't want to. Don't feel guilty about it (as Moms we have enough guilt already) just
concentrate on some of the other ways you can be eco-friendly.
2. Cloth diapers may sound like a real pain to those who are not used to them, but the true
culprits are the plastic-backed, disposable diapers piled high in landfills. Also, disposable
diapers contain bleaching agents and absorbency-enhancing chemicals that make some
eco-conscious parents uncomfortable. Using organic, cotton diapers that can be washed and
re-used is far better for your baby and the environment. If you are concerned about leaks, there
are diaper covers made from naturally water-resistant wool.
3. The room where the baby will be spending the most time - and the whole house if you
can manage it - needs to have eco-friendly paint, flooring, and furniture (babies spend a lot of
time on the floor!). Look for paint that is VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) free, and take up
wall-to-wall carpeting if possible and replace it with eco-friendly wood or other natural flooring.
Baby's furniture should also be as natural as possible, preferably made of sustainable, natural
wood.
4. Baby cribs and beds are often chemical-intensive areas, with soft plastics, flame retardants,
dyes, and other synthetic chemicals saturating the mattress and bed covers. Look for natural
rubber mattresses and organic bedding so that your baby will be breathing clean air all night
long. Wool is naturally fire-resistant, so consider natural sheep fleece and wool bedding for your
baby if that is a concern.
5. Clothing goes directly against baby's skin, so you want to be sure to use chemical-free cloth.
Due to the soft, porous nature of babies' skin, they are more prone to absorb toxins through
their skin than adults are. Some natural choices are organic cotton and wool, but any material
will do as long as it is organic and comfortable.
6. Keeping baby clean should not involve skin irritants or carcinogens, but some of the
popular baby soaps and shampoos contain such potentially harmful chemicals. Use natural
baby soaps and lotions with simple, organic ingredients and dry baby with an organic cotton
towel.
7. Try to skip the plastic toys in favor of toys made from untreated wood. There are many
safe, wooden baby toys on the market for all ages, and they are very durable. Consider natural
toys, too, or re-use household items like paper towel tubes or cardboard tissue boxes by making
them into interesting toys. Natural toys don't require batteries, either - another source of
household waste.
You might also be interested in Natural Baby Skincare.
Babies may be small but they sure do require a lot of
"stuff"! From diapers to pacifiers to toys, clothes and
even furniture, babies can really put a dent in your
wallet and affect the planet.As a new parent or
parent-to-be you can make eco-friendly choices that will
save money and be better for the environment. Here are
a few suggestions for having a green baby:
1. Breastfeeding your baby greatly reduces waste. If you breastfeed, you do not need to
invest in pacifiers, bottles, rubber nipples, containers of formula, and other wasteful items that
can't be recycled or re-used. Think about the waste you will avoid by breastfeeding for even six
months, much less for years. I know some Moms have a hard time with breastfeeding and can't
or don't want to. Don't feel guilty about it (as Moms we have enough guilt already) just
concentrate on some of the other ways you can be eco-friendly.
2. Cloth diapers may sound like a real pain to those who are not used to them, but the true
culprits are the plastic-backed, disposable diapers piled high in landfills. Also, disposable
diapers contain bleaching agents and absorbency-enhancing chemicals that make some
eco-conscious parents uncomfortable. Using organic, cotton diapers that can be washed and
re-used is far better for your baby and the environment. If you are concerned about leaks, there
are diaper covers made from naturally water-resistant wool.
3. The room where the baby will be spending the most time - and the whole house if you
can manage it - needs to have eco-friendly paint, flooring, and furniture (babies spend a lot of
time on the floor!). Look for paint that is VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) free, and take up
wall-to-wall carpeting if possible and replace it with eco-friendly wood or other natural flooring.
Baby's furniture should also be as natural as possible, preferably made of sustainable, natural
wood.
4. Baby cribs and beds are often chemical-intensive areas, with soft plastics, flame retardants,
dyes, and other synthetic chemicals saturating the mattress and bed covers. Look for natural
rubber mattresses and organic bedding so that your baby will be breathing clean air all night
long. Wool is naturally fire-resistant, so consider natural sheep fleece and wool bedding for your
baby if that is a concern.
5. Clothing goes directly against baby's skin, so you want to be sure to use chemical-free cloth.
Due to the soft, porous nature of babies' skin, they are more prone to absorb toxins through
their skin than adults are. Some natural choices are organic cotton and wool, but any material
will do as long as it is organic and comfortable.
6. Keeping baby clean should not involve skin irritants or carcinogens, but some of the
popular baby soaps and shampoos contain such potentially harmful chemicals. Use natural
baby soaps and lotions with simple, organic ingredients and dry baby with an organic cotton
towel.
7. Try to skip the plastic toys in favor of toys made from untreated wood. There are many
safe, wooden baby toys on the market for all ages, and they are very durable. Consider natural
toys, too, or re-use household items like paper towel tubes or cardboard tissue boxes by making
them into interesting toys. Natural toys don't require batteries, either - another source of
household waste.
You might also be interested in Natural Baby Skincare.
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